The Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers wrap up their preseason on Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium.
While the final preseason game is often when coaches sit starters, many key players on both sides are expected to suit up with the exception of Detroit quarterback Jared Goff. Pittsburgh will play both veteran Mitchell Trubiskey and first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett in a final showdown before a starter is announced for their regular season opener.
Here are our best free NFL betting picks and predictions for Lions vs. Steelers on Saturday, August 27.
Lions vs Steelers odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
This line hit the board with the Steelers at -3 and the Over/Under at 39.5. Early money has come in on the Steelers and the Under moving the line to -5 or -5.5 and lowering the total to 38.5.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full NFL odds before placing your bets.
Lions vs Steelers predictions
Predictions made on 8/27/2022 at 9 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Lions vs Steelers game info
• Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
• Date: Sunday, August 28, 2022
• Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
• TV: CBS
Lions at Steelers betting preview
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Betting trend to know
Since 2017 the Steelers have gone 14-4 SU during the preseason. Find more NFL betting trends for Lions vs. Steelers.
Lions vs Steelers picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Spread analysis
The Steelers have won both of their preseason games with Pickett completing 19 of 22 passes for 171 yards and three scores. Trubisky — who was signed to be their No. 1 QB — has also looked good and even third-string passer Mason Rudolph has excelled to the point where he is drawing trade interest around the league.
However, it isn't just those guys who have gotten plenty of reps during the preseason. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin hasn't been shy about playing any of his starters — which has meant some splash plays from studs like tight end Pat Freiermuth and receivers Chase Claypool, George Pickens, and Diontae Johnson.
In the second game of the preseason — a time when most teams will stick their best players on the sideline in favor of bubble roster guys — the Steelers played plenty of top players with even reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt picking up a sack.
Steelers first half snaps. George Pickens ???????????? pic.twitter.com/xGLzU4pIgR
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) August 21, 2022
The only key offensive player that didn't play was workhorse running back Najee Harris and Tomlin has confirmed that he will get action on Sunday.
Lions' coach Dan Campbell has said that Tomlin has told him that the Steelers will play their starters for about a half. Campbell (about as much of a straight-shooter as there is in the business) says that he will likely match that with the exception of one spot, QB where Goff will sit out.
Not only is Detroit's QB platoon of David Blough and Tim Boyle worse than all three of Pittsburgh's passers, but the Lions' starters are nowhere near as good as the Steelers' first stringers.
Tomlin also has a history of putting out winning teams during the preseason as he's not averse to playing starters or opening up his playbook on offense and defense. The Steelers have gone 14-4 straight up in the preseason since 2017.
The Lions are the exact opposite, often willing to experiment with different lineups and tinker with fringe players. While they beat the Colts last week, that was their first preseason win since 2018 when they went 1-3.
Lay the points with the home side.
Prediction: Steelers -5 (-110 at FanDuel)
Over/Under analysis
I'm expecting some offensive fireworks from Trubisky and Pickett on Monday. The former Chicago signal caller will be eager to make a statement as he tries to turn around his career. Meanwhile, Pickett has vaulted to the top of the Rookie of the Year odds board with his play, and even Rudolph might get to attack deep if the Steelers brass wants to pump up his trade bait value.
Regardless of who is at the helm for the Steelers, they'll be able to put up points against a Lions defense that was gashed on the ground in their preseason opener and torched through the air last week.
For their part, Blough and Boyle aren't world beaters, but they are experienced enough to move the chains on shorter routes and hand the ball off to a solid group of Lions' RBs.
Prediction: Over 38.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
Best bet
I mentioned that the Steelers' enviable QB situation and their superior starting lineup had us backing them on the spread. But another reason I like them is because of the way Tomlin prepares for exhibition games.
Tomlin has a history of putting out winning teams during the preseason as he's not averse to playing starters or opening up his playbook on offense and defense. The Steelers have gone 14-4 SU in the preseason since 2017.
The Lions are the exact opposite, often willing to experiment with different lineups and tinker with fringe players. While they beat the Colts last week that was their first preseason win since 2018 when they went 1-3.
It's too bad that we can't get this number at -3 but I'd still lean towards it at -5.
Pick: Steelers -5 (-110 at FanDuel)
